WMFFX vs. BEXIX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

WMFFX (Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-2) and BEXIX (Baron Emerging Markets Fund) are both mutual funds - WMFFX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P 500, while BEXIX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Baron Capital Group, Inc.. Over the past 10 years, WMFFX returned 12.74%/yr vs 7.83%/yr for BEXIX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WMFFX charges 0.37%/yr vs 1.12%/yr for BEXIX.

Performance

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-2 (WMFFX) and Baron Emerging Markets Fund (BEXIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WMFFX achieves a 4.46% return, which is significantly lower than BEXIX's 13.02% return. Over the past 10 years, WMFFX has outperformed BEXIX with an annualized return of 12.74%, while BEXIX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.83% annualized return.

WMFFX

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 4.46%
• 6M: 4.89%
• 1Y: 15.75%
• 3Y*: 17.84%
• 5Y*: 11.59%
• 10Y*: 12.74%

BEXIX

• 1D: -6.41%
• 1M: -6.16%
• YTD: 13.02%
• 6M: 14.47%
• 1Y: 28.92%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 2.50%
• 10Y*: 7.83%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WMFFX Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-2	4.46%	17.42%	19.24%	16.96%	-8.27%	28.71%	7.89%	25.03%	-5.98%	20.23%
BEXIX Baron Emerging Markets Fund	13.02%	30.11%	7.91%	8.29%	-25.82%	-6.06%	29.71%	18.85%	-18.48%	40.63%

Correlation

The correlation between WMFFX and BEXIX is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2011	0.61

The correlation between WMFFX and BEXIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WMFFX vs. BEXIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

WMFFX

WMFFX Risk / Return Rank: 36
WMFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
WMFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
WMFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
WMFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
WMFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

BEXIX

BEXIX Risk / Return Rank: 34
BEXIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
BEXIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
BEXIX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
BEXIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
BEXIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-2 (WMFFX) and Baron Emerging Markets Fund (BEXIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	WMFFX	BEXIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.46	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	1.96	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.28	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.23	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.50	7.61	+0.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WMFFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the BEXIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WMFFX and BEXIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WMFFX	BEXIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.58	1.46	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82	0.14	+0.68
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78	0.43	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.35	+0.25

Drawdowns

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WMFFX drawdown since its inception was -47.21%, roughly equal to the maximum BEXIX drawdown of -45.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WMFFX and BEXIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WMFFX	BEXIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.21%	-45.58%	-1.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.36%	-13.32%	+4.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.64%	-16.63%	+1.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.53%	-41.88%	+23.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.63%	-45.58%	+10.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-7.80%	+6.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.36%	-13.77%	+8.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	3.89%	-1.96%

Volatility

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-2 (WMFFX) is 2.54%, while Baron Emerging Markets Fund (BEXIX) has a volatility of 9.65%. This indicates that WMFFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BEXIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WMFFX	BEXIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.54%	9.65%	-7.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.92%	17.48%	-9.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.40%	20.39%	-9.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.11%	17.70%	-3.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.33%	18.09%	-1.76%

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WMFFX has a 0.37% expense ratio, which is lower than BEXIX's 1.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

WMFFX vs. BEXIX - Dividend Comparison

WMFFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.87%, more than BEXIX's 1.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BEXIX Baron Emerging Markets Fund	1.81%	2.04%	0.81%	0.69%	0.00%	1.88%	0.35%	0.46%	0.49%	0.45%	0.76%	0.39%
WMFFX Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-2	9.87%	10.28%	10.27%	5.92%	6.53%	6.24%	3.26%	6.33%	4.59%	7.43%	6.56%	6.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WMFFX and BEXIX in my portfolio?

WMFFX and BEXIX have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WMFFX or BEXIX?

BEXIX has higher volatility (9.65%) compared to WMFFX (2.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WMFFX dropped -47.21% vs BEXIX's -45.58%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WMFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.46), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.